France sparks new Iraq row

The US and France were heading for another showdown over Iraq, as Paris called for the creation of a provisional Iraqi Government next month, a constitution by the end of the year and elections before next May if the US wants more international help with reconstruction.

On the eve of weekend talks in Geneva among the five veto-wielding Security Council members, US Secretary of State Colin Powell called the French proposal "totally unrealistic".

The US is calling for a new United Nations resolution to help Washington persuade other nations to provide new troops to boost security and new funds for reconstruction. But Washington insists the timing for a transfer of sovereignty be determined by the Iraqi Governing Council, which was appointed by the US.